Resurrecting this old thread...
I read over everyone's very detailed lists of their dream weapon, altered for specific roles...so here's mine!
Basically, we asked to say what a good ODA or SAS team should be having, since essentially, their job is to do whatever asked, the best they can.
Organization:
I am assuming a 12 man squad broken into 3 maneuver elements of 4 men (A,B,C). Team A is lead by the over all Team Leader (TL), B's TL is over all Assistant Team Leader (ATL), and, naturally, C's role follow's B's TL. (That's a lot of letters...everyone tracking? Bear with me...or gloss over....)
Each team breaks down thus: TL, ATL, Communications (RO), Automatic Rifle (SAW). This is their general job titles within the elements. Obviously, multiple roles need to be filled. I will spare who should be proficient in what because some men are more capable of certain things better than others that you wouldn't normally pair up. IE The radioman on point? Navigator as Machine Gunner? If they are that good at both jobs, sometimes it's just the best way to go. Situation ALWAYS dictates.
Comm Considerations:
Each RO needs to maintain comms between A/B/C as well as each carry a Iridium SAT phone (or similar). There are many civilian radios capable of keeping comm between units for miles, and FEAK's (field expedient antenna kits) are worth their weight in gold if you know how to use and build them.
Each team needs to maintain a Panasonic Toughbook (solid state construction-no internall moving parts) and high quality digital SLR. This, coupled with Iridium data-uplink package, will allow near instantaneous transmittal of high grade information to higher. Canon EOS 10D is a wonderful camera.
Sniper Considerations:
Since deep observation/target acquisition is a key role for these guys, I'd recommend a two man sniper element in B and C. These men should be able to interchange responsibilities seamlessly.
I am in lust with the Accuracy International rifle. Watch
THIS to see why...I would like to see a .338 Lapua Magnum per element. Operators can cut weight by removing features they don't want to hump, but would recommend the folding stock. Ruck it using the long gun bearer on a Kifaru (worked for me with the SASR).
Realistically though, I'd have to sacrifice my lust and choose a .308 but still going folding stock for the same reason. One not carrying the rifle, carries the suppressed barrel. Two people could easily swap barrels in the field and this is the best of both worlds. Main reason of switching to .308 is addressed later in weapon considerations for all.
A/B/C should have one Swarovski STS 80 HD, not only because it's AMAZING glass, but an adapter mounts it to your Canon SLR or similar camera, saving you the weight of another giant piece of glass. (Camera lens rule of thumb- 1mm of lens for every meter of distance to object, regardless of zoom).
Squad Automatic Weapon Considerations:
I really don't know a lot in this area. Not a role I've had much experience with. Weight is always an issue with these guys. Carrying enough ammo to make an effective automatic weapons mean distributing. My thoughts, this guy carries 1,000 rnds. Everyone else carries 200-300 packed.
Disintegrating belt fed seems the way to go. No one wants to carry that extra crap hanging off after feeding and in high intensity situations, why let something else get in the way?
I think this guy would be best suited carrying 500-600 rounds in an ISAAK load bearing style and keeping the rest readily unpackable. Of course, user and situation will dictate, but if you need lead like that, you need it now.
Medical Considerations:
Every four man team should have a school trained combat medic/corpsman. Basically, a PJ. Everyone else should be proficient in dealing with typical combat wounds, IE sucking chest wounds, lacerations, broken bones, twisted limbs, head trauma, generic bullet holes, etc.
The main separating element of our medic is he carries meds (morphine, codine, etc), IV's (generally 2 1-liters), and capable of field surgery stuff.
Demolition Considerations:
Two pounds of C4, 10 ft of det. cord, 5 plasting caps, 5 feet of that pull fuse stuff per man is not that heavy. I think that totaled is less than 5 lbs. Probably closer to 3-4.
Evenly distributed, each man carries either a Claymore kit or a LAW rocket. Snipers will likely have the claymores. The detonation style can be their choice, some like time fuse (for "popping smoke" and breaking contact), some like the clacker. I am unaware of reliable wireless methods.
At least two frags, each, at the ready on web gear. One smoke each, vary colors for signals. An element should have two white for masking movement, and two different colored for signaling. One CS (big and billowy cloud, not weak grenade style) per element would be wise for detering and slowing persuit.
I think weapon mounted HE launchers are worth their weight in water. Traditionally carried by TL's, having one in every two man element might not be bad either...very versatile little units and easier to carry and deploy than traditional frags.
What you've all been waiting for!
Weapon Considerations:
Caliber should be a 7.62 variant, preferably what is most common in the area of the mission. Most likely 7.62 x 39, this makes you capable of resupplying off the enemy or captured stockpiles. Waiting for resupply is a pain, and sitting like a duck makes you start twitching.
Inter-compatibility between team members makes it easy for rotating responsibilities or replacing casualties and the like.
Really, being 7.62mm makes the most sense over all, because it is the most common caliber of BULLET throughout the world. Consider this: how much does 500 primers, match grade bullets (for the snipers, everyone else can scavenge bullets as well as powder), and a hand-held Lee Loader weigh? Much less than 500 extra rounds! If you can police your brass (and links, rigging up catching bags on weapons is not that difficult), you can multiply your payload 10x!
Gear Common to All:
BDU's, operators choice (Crye Precision Combat pants and R6 field shirt is what I'd go with).
Footwear of choice
CMC Tactical Rappel Harness, or similar (you can still mount items like holsters and pouches on these. Some units are designed for this)
Second Chance vest w trauma plate (available, not always used)
MICH helmet w/ BLBBS (?) (same rules as 2nd Chance)
Chest Rig (works better w/ frequent ruck use, in/out vehicles)
Ruck system(s) (Kifaru is bar none the best)
And more...but I'm getting tired of this...
Oh...Jetboil PCS w/ french press and whole coffee beans (tea leaves pack smaller/lighter). Coffee beans can be utilized in Sand Socks for snipers ;p
Because some luxuries in the field can save your sanity.
) along with the APERS rounds. Which weapon is deployed depends on METT-T. And a platoon headquarters consisting of platoon leader, platoon sergeant, medic and RTO.
